LIFEGUARDS will return to Saltburn beach this weekend, as the RNLI continues to step up its lifesaving service across the region.

Since lockdown restrictions were eased last month, the RNLI has worked to roll out lifeguard patrols on 47 beaches in England, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands, including at nearby Whitby.

Now these beaches are operational and new ways of working and equipment have been properly put to the test, the RNLI is accelerating its service roll-out and increasing the number of beaches which will have a lifeguard service.

The charity is hoping to have lifeguards on around 170 beaches by early July - 70 per cent of the beaches it would patrol in a normal summer.

RNLI Chief Executive, Mark Dowie, said: "We are now confident we can provide a more comprehensive lifeguard service this summer safely, despite the continuing challenges created by the pandemic. The first few weeks having lifeguards back on beaches has helped us properly test the new ways of operating and reassured everyone that we can accelerate and expand our plans."